Order for Second Reading read.
Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."—( Mr. Gladstone.)
said: I wish briefly to state the course I intend to pursue with respect to this Bill, and I do so under very peculiar circumstances. My two right hon. Friends the Member for Cambridge University (Mr. S. Walpole) and the Member for Oxford University (Mr. Mowbray) are absent from the House on account of severe domestic afflictions. This might, perhaps, be considered a sufficient reason for postponing the consideration of the measure; but I do not ask for an adjournment. I am, of course, aware that a Bill identical with the present passed through this House last Session; and after the discussions which then ensued, and in which I expressed my opinions on the subject, I should not think of again urging the arguments I then adduced. At the same time, so insuperable are my objections to the Bill as it stands, without the religious safeguards which I hope will be introduced in "another place," that I shall now move its rejection, if only for the purpose of recording my protest against it. I beg to move that the Bill be read a second time this day six months.
Amendment proposed, to leave out the word "now," and at the end of the Question to add the words "upon this day six months."—( Mr. Gathorne Hardy.)
Question, "That the word 'now' stand part of the Question," put, and agreed to.
Main Question put, and agreed to.
Bill read a second time, and committed for Monday next.